Benjamin Sesko scored in the 93rd minute to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory for Manchester United over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, extending Michael Carrick's perfect start as manager to three wins from three matches. The Slovenian striker's clinical finish came just moments after it appeared United had surrendered their commanding position in a dramatic late collapse.
Manchester United looked in complete control when Casemiro headed them into the lead in the 19th minute, connecting with a Bruno Fernandes free-kick to set the tone for what seemed like a comfortable afternoon. The Brazilian midfielder then turned provider early in the second half, setting up Matheus Cunha to double the home side's advantage in the 56th minute with a well-taken finish.
However, the match was transformed in a breathless final ten minutes. Raul Jiménez converted an 85th-minute penalty with typical composure, extending his remarkable record from the spot. The Mexican has now converted all 12 of his Premier League penalties, surpassing Yaya Touré's previous record of 11 successful spot-kicks to claim the best 100-percent penalty conversion rate in competition history.
The drama intensified when Kevin's fantastic strike in the 91st minute drew Fulham level, sending the traveling supporters into raptures and leaving Old Trafford stunned. The youngster's first Premier League goal could not have come at a more crucial moment for Marco Silva's side, who sensed a famous result against their illustrious opponents.
But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Fernandes delivered one final piece of magic, threading a perfect pass through to Sesko, who dispatched a fine finish high into the net to spark pandemonium among the home supporters. The victory lifted Manchester United into fourth place with 41 points from 24 games, remarkably just one point away from their entire points tally from the previous season when they finished 15th.
For Carrick, the result maintains his unblemished record since taking charge, with the former midfielder bringing renewed belief and attacking intent to a squad that had appeared rudderless under his predecessor. United now look genuine contenders for Champions League qualification after a season that had threatened to spiral into mediocrity.
Comments